Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Billerica, MA: $48.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Billerica, MA runs $48.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Billerica's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,506 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Billerica, Massachusetts is projected to reach a median of $48.48, which falls slightly below the national median of $49.49 per hour. This rate reflects the city's competitive landscape for dental professionals, considering various practice settings such as general dentistry, periodontal specialties, and pediatric offices. For those seeking part-time work, including schedules like three days a week, the hourly earnings can significantly influence overall income, making this profession appealing not only to full-time workers but also to per diem dental hygienists who often focus on flexible arrangements. The hourly pay ranges from $36.20 for entry-level positions to $61.53 for the most experienced practitioners, indicating a healthy earnings trajectory for dental hygienists across Billerica.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($101,268) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.20 | $289.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.08 | $344.62 |
| Median (P50) | $48.48 | $387.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.68 | $429.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.53 | $492.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billerica
Based on $48.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.48/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billerica, MA can expect to earn approximately $100,843 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,179. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Billerica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billerica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,939.29 | $8,404 | $100,843 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,163.57 | $5,042 | $60,506 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $775.72 | $3,361 | $40,337 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Billerica) | $48.48 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Billerica, MA earn a median of $100,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.05% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $104,166.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.48/hr = $60,506/year (purchasing power: $55,766).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,843/year (purchasing power: $92,943).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.48/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Billerica (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Billerica grew 15.3% from $40.08/hr (2020) to $46.20/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Billerica
When examining part-time earning potential, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week can expect to bring home approximately $60,000 a year, which is a substantial income even outside full-time parameters. In terms of per diem options, many professionals utilize temporary agency placements that provide pay rates ranging from $40 to $60 an hour, with those in high-cost areas like Billerica potentially earning even more. The type of employer can significantly affect hourly wages; solo practices may offer lower rates compared to larger dental service organizations (DSOs) or multi-doctor group practices, which often include benefits packages that can offset lower hourly rates. Negotiation skills are crucial in this market—dental hygienists may want to explore options such as signing bonuses or flexible hours when discussing compensation. Understanding the trade-offs between higher pay without benefits and lower pay with health insurance is essential for maximizing overall career satisfaction in this field.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Billerica in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Billerica?
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Billerica. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov